Cardin takes stand for stem cell research

Still, in the final weeks of what’s shaping up to be a nasty brawl of a campaign, he’s trying to tweak that focus to subjects of consequence to the voters.

Most recently, that means stem cell research.

A new commercial featuring actor Michael J. Fox calls attention to Cardin’s fervent support of embryonic stem cell testing, which is a step further than opponent Michael Steele is willing to go.

Cardin explained his position to The Examiner in an exclusive interview Tuesday. As he sees it, standing in the way of this controversial stem cell research is standing in the way of progress.

“You’re taking away the hope of people like Michael J. Fox, who are living their lives and doing everything they can, but they want government to be their partner,” Cardin explained. “And that’s what this issue represents — the appropriate level of government.”

The promise of medical breakthroughs is too great to ignore, he’s telling voters at last-minute appearances.

If Cardin had his way, he says, he’d have a debate with Steele solely about the medical ethics of stem cell research. That and his proposal of universal health coverage and better funded schools. And the list goes on.

Debate, though, is an area Cardin feels has been lacking severely in the past month and a half.

Ever since Steele struck the first blow with his infamous “puppy TV ad,” he said negativity has taken the place of spirited discussion.

Steele’s camp has blamed Cardin for dodging debates, yet the 20-year congressman insists he’d prefer a clean fight.

“There’s a frustration that the voters are not getting as much of an opportunity to challenge us with the two of us sitting at the same table. There’s a clear difference between the two of us that I want them to appreciate,” he said before rattling off his chief criticism of Steele. “One of us supports George Bush on just about every one of the major issues. He bristles every time I say that, but it’s true.”

Compare this general election back-and-forth with the primaries in which Cardin overtook fellow Democrat Kweisi Mfume. Setting a record, the two spent $10 million to get their messages out, “but not a dime of it was negative.”

After the primary election dust settled, Mfume tepidly endorsed Cardin and in the process publicly dogged the Democrats for not having enough black representation on the Maryland ticket.

“Can we do better?” Cardin asked. “Absolutely. But this election is about changing the nation ... and I think I’m going to do very well in the African-American community.”